Chapter 15 - The Fire Under His Skin
I found Jax at a free CPR class in the community center basement, standing at the back so the parents had room up front. He had come to learn the updated guidelines and make sure he had done all he could.
An instructor demonstrated how to recognize severe choking in a child who couldn't speak or cough effectively, how to call for emergency help, and how to respond. I practiced on a training mannequin until my arms ached.
When I finished, Jax said, "You did good."
"I should've known before."
"Maybe. But you're here now."
A woman approached him after class. "My husband recognized you from the bus crash in Richmond. He said you pulled his cousin out. We never knew your name."
Jax looked uncomfortable. "Tell him I'm glad he made it."
Outside, I asked about the words tattooed on his wrist.
"Keep the lights on?" He stared at them. "A rescue worker told me that after the crash. Said you couldn't choose who made it, but you could keep showing up for the next person. I didn't believe him then."
"And now?"
"Now I think maybe he was right."
His phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and turned it facedown, but I'd seen the name CLARA and the first line: Dad, is that really you on the news?
"Your daughter?" I asked.
"Haven't heard from her in two years. We didn't know how to talk about the accident. I went quiet. She thought quiet meant I didn't care."
"Maybe she'll let you try again."
He folded the phone into his pocket. "Maybe."
A dark sedan slowed beside the curb. Its passenger window rolled down. Someone lifted a phone and photographed us together, then drove away.
May you like
Five minutes later, my own phone lit up with a message from Calvin Dorsey's attorney.
FINAL OFFER. WITHDRAW YOUR CLAIMS OR WE WILL MAKE SURE YOU BOTH REGRET IT.
